Griezmann: "I'm at Atlético Madrid because of Godín"

The French striker Antoine Griezmann said that the quarter final match against Uruguay will be "very special" when he lines up against one of his best friends and Atletico Madrid teammate, Diego Godin.

"Diego is a great friend. I'm with him every day, in the changing room, off the pitch, and that's why he's the godfather to my youngest daughter. It's going to be an emotional game but also a great one."

Godin was someone he confided in when he was making the decision about his future this summer but was also someone who convinced Griezmann to sign for Atletico from Real Sociedad.

"The first time I signed a deal I called him, he told me good things about the club and that made me want to sign for Atletico Madrid," said Griezmann.

Griezmann said he's been a fan of Uruguay side Peñarol since his time at Real Sociedad because of Carlos Bueno, who played alongside him at La Real and watched their matches on TV. Griezmann even admits that he feels "part Uruguayan" because he plays in the same way as Godin, giving his all for the team and refusing to throw the towel in.

On Uruguay: "It's a nationality that I love, a country that I love and it's going to be very emotional for me but I'm sure it'll be a good match."

Griezmann also compared Uruguay's style of football with that which he plays under at Atletico Madrid. "They are going to take their time, pressure the referee, it's their style - and it's what we do at Atletico Madrid. We need to get used to that, the match is going to be tough and we need to remain calm and put pressure their defenders."

"Uruguay's style is what we saw against Portugal. It's a very solid 4-4-2 and their forwards help on the counterattack. They play together and they give everything for their teammates, which is something I see every day at Atletico and I love it. Cavani's style, a man who defends and works for the team, that's what I admire."

On the subject on Cavani, Griezmann is a huge fan of the PSG striker's talents. "He's the best striker because he works for the team, creates lots of space for his teammates, never gives up and only needs two chances to score a goal. If he doesn't play because of his injury it'd be a shame but I'm sure his replacement will be just as tough."

Moving back to his own country France and their victory over Argentina, Griezmann stressed the significance of winning but said it wasn't as special as winning a trophy. "It was an important match for me because it was the first time I'd played against Argentina. But I think the Europa League final was still more important because we won a title and here, we haven't yet."

The topic soon turned to Kylian Mbappe who stole the show with his brace. The 19 year old also won the penalty, which Griezmann converted, and was a constant threat to Argentina's back line.

"We need to create the right environment so that he can keep developing as a footballer. His speed surprises me but also his calmness ahead of big matches. He was so relaxed in the dressing room and the tunnel for someone that young before such an important match."

Griezmann has been substituted in all four matches for France so far which is something the striker doesn't like but he is putting the team's interests first and accepts the coach's decision.